Eddie

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Meet Eddie our Rescued Jaguar

Eddie was bred in captivity by known wildlife traffickers who traveled from hotel room to hotel room to handle him and use him as a photo opportunity. Then he was sold again, this time as a pet. Only a few weeks after being purchased as a pet, Eddie was then abandoned at our sanctuary gates. Eddie is a victim of the exotic animal trade.

While we provided excellent care to Eddie, during the first year under our care we weren't able to share much about his story while U.S. Fish & Wildlife service investigated his case. However, in October 2022, officials filed a criminal complaint against two individuals involved in the trafficking of this endangered species. Those individuals were prosecuted.

Eddie officially became a part of our Lions Tigers & Bears family shortly after. As a healthy young jaguar, he is thriving in our sanctuary environment and we are relieved to be able to provide him with a permanent lifetime home at Lions Tigers & Bears. Eddie will need a lifetime of care, including a species-specific diet, enrichment and veterinary care as he continues to grow and develop.

Eddie is just one of thousands of animals who have had to endure the abuse of illegal wildlife trafficking - but TOGETHER we are doing something about it.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH & LEARN MORE ABOUT EDDIE'S RESCUE STORY!

Watch Eddie's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Rescued by Lions Tigers & Bears (September 21, 2021) – Eddie was rescued after being abandoned at the sanctuary gates, a victim of the exotic animal trade. He had been bred in captivity, used for photo ops, and sold as a pet before being discarded.

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Investigation by U.S. Fish & Wildlife (October 2022) – After Eddie's rescue, U.S. Fish & Wildlife began investigating his case, which led to a criminal complaint being filed against the individuals involved in trafficking him. These individuals were later prosecuted for their actions.

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Officially Became Part of Lions Tigers & Bears Family (October 2022) – After the legal proceedings, Eddie officially became a permanent resident of Lions Tigers & Bears, where he would receive the proper care and attention he needed for the rest of his life.

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Thriving in Sanctuary (2022 – Present) – Eddie has been thriving at Lions Tigers & Bears, enjoying a species-specific diet, enrichment, and veterinary care. He continues to grow and develop in a safe and loving environment, far from the horrors of his past.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Gizmo

Remembering Gizmo, Our First Bobcat We sadly said goodbye to one of our first residents, Gizmo the bobcat in September 2016. Gizmo was arguably the smartest cat at Lions Tigers & Bears, and he knew it! He liked to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and especially loved trying to outsmart his keepers. He […]

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Baloo

Meet Baloo, Our Himalayan Black Bear Baloo was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Teddy. They were the offspring of Luna Bear, a Himalayan black bear who lived at Tote-em-in Zoo. A couple frequented the zoo to visit with Luna Bear and over time got to know the owners […]

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Diego

Meet Diego, Our Bobcat Diego's journey to find a permanent home has been filled with uncertainty and challenges, but he has finally found his sanctuary at Lions Tigers & Bears. Diego was anonymously dropped off at a pet hospital in Rancho Bernardo, leaving no clues about his origins. There was no way to tell whether […]

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FAQ's

What do jaguars eat?

Jaguars are carnivores and have one of the most powerful bites of any big cat. They primarily hunt deer, capybaras, peccaries, and even caimans. Unlike other big cats, jaguars often hunt in water, preying on fish, turtles, and aquatic animals

Where do jaguars live?

Jaguars are native to the Americas and primarily inhabit rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands in Central and South America. The Amazon Rainforest is home to the largest population of jaguars, but they can also be found in Mexico and as far north as the southern United States in rare cases.

How long do jaguars live?

In the wild, jaguars typically live 12-15 years. In captivity, they can live up to 20-25 years with proper care, a nutritious diet, and veterinary attention.

Are jaguars social animals?

No, jaguars are solitary animals. They establish large territories and only come together during mating season. Males and females will part ways after breeding, and mothers raise cubs alone until they are old enough to survive on their own.

How fast can jaguars run?

Jaguars can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) in short bursts. However, they rely more on stealth and ambush hunting rather than speed to catch their prey.

Are Jaguars endangered?

Jaguars are classified as "Near Threatened," with some populations being endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Deforestation and illegal hunting have significantly reduced their numbers, particularly in regions outside the Amazon. Conservation efforts are in place to protect jaguar populations and their habitats.

How many jaguars are in captivity?

The exact number is unknown, but hundreds of jaguars are kept in captivity worldwide in zoos, breeding programs, and unfortunately, in private ownership or the illegal wildlife trade. Many are exploited for entertainment or kept in inadequate conditions. Sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears work to rescue and provide proper lifelong care for jaguars in need.

Watch More Videos on Jaguars

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Jungle Royalty: Investigating the Secret Life of Jaguars | Lions Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary

The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical | Lions Tigers & Bears

An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Lions Tigers & Bears

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